When it comes to spices, black cumin seeds, or Nigella sativa, are often overshadowed by more well-known spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. However, this humble seed holds a rich history of culinary and medicinal use, earning its title as a “panacea” or a cure-all in many cultures and commonly known as Kala Jeera in India.
In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous benefits and uses of black cumin seeds, how you can incorporate them into your everyday meals, and why Aap Ka Bazar® is the perfect to source this spice.
It is a monthly grocery app/website that you may download from the play store or apple store or simply search groceries near me to get Aap Ka Bazar’s offline stores addresses.
Black cumin seeds, often referred to as Kalonji in South Asia, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Known for their rich nutritional profile and therapeutic properties, these tiny seeds are packed with health benefits. Their slightly bitter, peppery taste with hints of onion and oregano makes them a versatile spice in many global cuisines. From curries to baked goods, black cumin seeds can enhance a wide variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use them in cooking:
- Tempering for Curries and Lentils
One of the most common uses of black cumin seeds is in tempering or “tadka” Heating the seeds in hot cooking oil releases their flavors, which can then be added to curries, dals, and vegetable dishes. Here’s how you can use them:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee (available up to 50% discount)
- Add a teaspoon of black cumin seeds (available with 41% Discount) and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour this spiced oil over a lentil or vegetable curry for a rich, aromatic boost.
This method works wonderfully for simple dishes like dal tadka, aloo baingan (potato and eggplant curry), or even mixed vegetable stews.
- Spice Blends
Black jeera seeds are often used in spice blends like garam masala or panch phoron, a five-spice blend used in Bengali cooking. You can add black cumin seeds to your homemade spice mixes for seasoning curries, soups, or roasted vegetables.
To make your own masala mix with black cumin seeds:
- Toast black jeera seeds along with other spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, and cardamom.
- Grind them to a fine powder, and use the blend to season your dishes.
- All these spices are available in the Aap Ka Bazar® application/website/stores in amazing quality, handpicked, and premium packaging with up to 41% discount.
- Bread Topping
In Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, cumin black seeds are often sprinkled on flatbreads like naan, roti, or pita before baking or simply buy Gm Foods Tawa Naan starting ₹78 from the Aap Ka Bazar® application that gives you a ready-to-cook naan recipe mix at your doorstep in the whole of Delhi and NCR.
This imparts a slightly earthy, peppery flavor to the bread, making it a perfect accompaniment to rich curries or dips like hummus.
To use them as a topping:
- Brush your dough with Pomace olive oil or desi ghee before baking (both available with buy1 Get1 Free offer at the… Read More